Monthly Archives: December 2013

LANSING—State Sen. Goeff Hansen announced Thursday that his efforts to secure money for two road repair projects in Muskegon County have paid off, and the projects will receive the necessary funding.

“Earlier this year, after discussions with the Muskegon County Road Commission, I requested road repair funding for two projects along Sternberg Road and Ryerson Road in Muskegon County,” said Hansen, R-Hart. “I am extremely pleased that MDOT honored my request and now these roads will receive the necessary funding to improve this important infrastructure in Muskegon County.”

Grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will fund the two projects.

“Our wise budget and spending choices of recent years have enabled us to use existing resources to repair our roads,” Hansen said. “The $115 million state Roads and Risk Reserve Fund, part of the current general government budget, will provide the money for these projects.”

The first grant of $1,145,000 will be used to reconstruct four miles of Sternberg Road from Brooks Road to Maple Island Road in Muskegon County. Due to higher volumes of traffic near the Lakes Mall and associated commercial development, much-needed safety improvements will be realized through this reconstruction.

The second grant of $1,075,000 will be used to rehabilitate more than four miles of Ryerson Road from M-120 to Holton-Duck Lake Road. Ryerson Road connects central northern Muskegon County with Maple Island Road and Newaygo County to the east. Two curves require treatment for improved safety operations, and safety guardrails will be installed at the bridge over Cedar Creek.

“We certainly need to do more to solve our local infrastructure problems, but directly funding these Muskegon County projects is a major first step in that process,” Hansen said.

“I look forward to seeing the projects completed. West Michigan’s residents, tourists and job providers depend on the state’s transportation system for leisure travel, workday commutes and the movement of goods. I will work with our local partners to devise long-term solutions that address our infrastructure needs, and I will continue to work hard to improve the infrastructure across Michigan.”

LANSING—The state Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Goeff Hansen that would give Michigan pharmacies the ability to explore innovative solutions that could change the way some medical prescriptions are delivered.

Senate Bill 373 would enable pharmacies to conduct pilot projects that could utilize new or expanded technologies or processes to provide patients with better pharmacy products in a more efficient manner.

“Like other industries in Michigan that are evolving and adapting in a 21st century global economy, so too is the pharmaceutical industry,” said Hansen, R-Hart. “Under my bill, pharmacies would be able to try new ideas while maintaining and even enhancing patient access to pharmacy services.”

Hansen said that because parts of his district are very rural, it has become increasingly difficult for local pharmacies to remain operational given their economic challenges.

“Because of that, I was approached by pharmacists in the district with concerns of how they will be able to continue to provide access to health care and quality pharmaceutical products and services that their customers depend on,” he said. “This bill does that.”

SB 373 allows pharmacies to explore their ideas and technologies on a smaller scale under controlled conditions and while being monitored by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Hansen emphasized that his bill will not affect the doctor-patient relationship.

“A patient’s relationship with his or her doctor remains vital to ensure patient safety and effective health care,” Hansen said.

SB 373 has been sent to Gov. Rick Snyder, who is expected to sign it into law.

Note: Audio comments by Hansen are available on this website. Click "Media Center" above.